Richard C Von Hess Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.66 million (2024)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $18,735 - $500,000
• Geographic Focus: Primarily PA, MD, DC (also DE, NY, MA, VA, WV)

Contact Details

• Address: PO Box 68, Columbia, PA 17512
• Phone: (717) 684-4325
• Email: info@wrightsferrymansion.org
• Website: No public website

Overview

The Richard C Von Hess Foundation is a private grant-making foundation established to honor Richard C. von Hess, an art connoisseur and supporter of educational programs. With annual giving of approximately $2.66 million in 2024, the foundation focuses on advancing arts, culture, historic preservation, and education primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region. The foundation was created specifically to assist Wright's Ferry Museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania, while also supporting broader charitable purposes in the arts and education sectors. The foundation operates through trustee discretion without accepting unsolicited applications, making strategic grants to established cultural institutions, museums, and educational organizations that align with its mission of preserving and promoting American heritage and decorative arts.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides grants ranging from $18,735 to $500,000, with a median grant size of approximately $63,000. All grants are awarded through trustee discretion with no public application process.

Priority Areas

• Arts, Culture & Humanities
• Museum exhibitions and operations
• Conservation projects (especially works on paper and American decorative arts)
• Historic preservation and restoration
• Educational scholarships and internships in the arts
• Memorial funds and endowments
• Cultural institution capital improvements

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's grant history shows no support for:

• Healthcare or medical research
• Social services
• Environmental causes
• International programs outside their geographic focus
• Individual artists or performers
• For-profit entities

Governance and Leadership

Managing Trustee: Thomas Hills Cook (Compensation: $96,000) Trustee: Warren A Reintzel, Esquire (Compensation: $11,120)
Trustee: Anne Genter

The foundation maintains a close relationship with Wright's Ferry Mansion and the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation, reflecting its deep roots in Pennsylvania's cultural heritage community.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees to organizations they identify as aligned with their mission. Organizations cannot submit unsolicited proposals or applications.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's grant history and structure:

• The foundation has strong connections to Pennsylvania's museum and cultural heritage community, particularly through Wright's Ferry Mansion
• They consistently support established institutions in the Mid-Atlantic region with strong reputations in conservation and American decorative arts
• Organizations with connections to current or past grantees may be considered for future support
• The foundation appears to value long-term relationships, as evidenced by repeat grants to institutions like the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. Grant disbursements appear to occur throughout the year based on trustee meetings.

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only grant process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - all grants are initiated by trustee discretion.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of recent grant recipients:

• Established institutions: All recipients are well-established museums, universities, or cultural organizations with strong reputations
• American heritage focus: Projects related to American decorative arts, historic preservation, and cultural heritage receive priority
• Conservation emphasis: Many successful grants support conservation projects, particularly for works on paper and decorative arts
• Educational component: Projects with scholarship, internship, or educational programming elements align well with the foundation's mission
• Regional presence: Organizations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and DC receive the majority of funding
• Capital and endowment projects: The foundation supports both operational and capital needs, including building renovations and endowment funds

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation operates exclusively through trustee discretion - do not submit unsolicited proposals
• Focus on building relationships within Pennsylvania's cultural heritage community, particularly through Wright's Ferry Mansion connections
• The foundation demonstrates loyalty to institutions it supports, often providing repeat grants
• Median grant size of $63,000 suggests the foundation can provide substantial support for the right projects
• Strong preference for established institutions over grassroots or emerging organizations
• Conservation projects and American decorative arts initiatives appear to receive special consideration
• Educational components (scholarships, internships, public programs) strengthen alignment with foundation priorities

References

• Foundation Directory Online (Candid) - Richard C Von Hess Foundation profile, accessed February 2025
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF data for Richard C Von Hess Foundation (EIN: 236962077), 2022-2024
• Wright's Ferry Mansion contact information
• Grant recipient data from 990-PF filings showing 2022-2024 grant distributions